What is Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer is a dangerous disease that affects women's breasts. It begins when breast cells grow abnormally and form lumps. If detected early, it can be cured. However, if detected late, it can spread to other parts of the body, such as the bones, lungs, or brain. Middle-aged women (35-55 years) are most affected, especially in rural areas where marriage occurs early and children are more common. It is considered a "killer disease" because it can be fatal if left untreated. However, it can be controlled with tests and medications.

How to Learn from Initial Symptoms?

Early signs of breast cancer are easy to recognize, such as preventing a minor problem at home before it becomes a serious one. Note:

- Feeling a lump or lump in the breast, which may be painless.

A lump, redness, or pain on the nipple (breast cap).

- A change in the size or shape of the breast, such as becoming rough like an orange.

- Discharge of fluid from the nipple (not milk).

- Breast pain that does not go away.

- Swelling or a lump in the armpit.

Rural women who marry early and have children should self-examine their breasts every month after menstruation. Feel for any changes. If there is any doubt, consult a doctor immediately. Early detection cures more than 90% of cases; delaying treatment spreads the disease.

Breast Cancer?

There are many causes of breast cancer. Some are inherited, some are lifestyle-related, and some are environmental. I'll explain these separately.Genetic or Family Causes

- If a mother, sister, or grandmother has had the disease, the risk is higher.

- Caused by defects in certain genes (such as BRCA1, BRCA2). It is inherited.

- If there is a family history of early marriage and childbearing, testing is necessary.

Lifestyle Causes

Obesity, alcohol consumption, and lack of exercise.

- Not having children or having them late, or not breastfeeding.

- Long-term use of hormonal medications (such as contraceptives).

Environmental Causes

 Pollution, pesticides (used in farms), chemicals in plastics (such as BPA).

- Radiation (high levels of X-rays) or factory smoke.

- Rural areas are more exposed to agricultural products, which alter hormones and increase the risk of cancer. Avoid such chemicals during pregnancy or childhood.

Mental Stress Causes

- Long-term stress, such as family worries, poverty, or workload.

- Stress weakens the body's defense system, which promotes cancer.

- Studies show that a high-stress life increases the risk of breast cancer and can worsen the disease. Rural women who manage households and farms should talk to their families or practice yoga to reduce stress.

Frequent Cesarean Operation Causes

 Frequent Cesarean Operation Causes The risk of postpartum breast cancer may increase.

- Studies show that women who have cesarean deliveries are more likely to develop cancer after childbirth, possibly due to hormonal changes or reduced breastfeeding.

- In rural areas where doctors are scarce, have a cesarean if necessary, but avoid unnecessary delays. Breastfeeding after childbirth is a safe option.

Why does modern medicine fail to cure despite advanced technology?

These days, machines like mammography, ultrasound, MRI, and blood tests are very advanced. Yet, not every case is curable because:

- If cancer is detected late (stage 3 or 4), it has already spread. In the early stages, it is 99% curable, but not in advanced stages.

 Cancer cells continue to mutate, and medications may not work.

- The patient may be weak or have other illnesses.

- In rural areas, doctors are far away and tests are expensive, leading to delays.

- But treatment can prolong and improve life, even if it doesn't completely cure it. Also.

Treatments Available

reatment depends on the stage. It's free or inexpensive in government hospitals. Simply put:

- Surgery:

Removing tumors, like removing weeds from a crop.

- Radiation:

Killing cancer cells with radiation.

- Chemotherapy:

Medications that penetrate the entire body but can cause hair loss.

- Hormone therapy:

Medications that block hormones if it's hormonal.

- Targeted therapy:

Specific medications that target only the cancer.

- Immunotherapy:

Boosting the body's defenses.

Initially treated with surgery and radiation. Later, it can be controlled with medication. Rural women can seek help from schemes like Ayushman Bharat. Prevent this by eating healthy, exercising, and reducing stress. Get regular checkups with a doctor.